Pioli in full after AC Milan defeat

Pioli in full after AC Milan defeat

20/05/2018 22:30

Stefano Pioli admitted Fiorentina were beaten by the better team as
AC Milan handed out a 5-1 defeat to bring a gruelling season to an end
for the Viola.

The Fiorentina coach refused to criticise his
players for the performance, instead pointing to the superhuman effort
put in by all at the club following the tragic death of Davide Astori
earlier in the season.

With the season now over, it was also a
chance for Pioli to look to the future – as Fiorentina focus on building
on a respectable eighth-place finish.

Check out the boss’ comments in full below.

"The
team lost its way in the second half. We had made a lot of changes from
the previous game. The players gave it everything but obviously they
were lacking match sharpness. We weren’t on the beach. We were
definitely up against a better team. We had a good first half in my
opinion and we’re disappointed to have conceded the equaliser so soon
after taking the lead. It hurts to lose – especially by such a big
scoreline – but it doesn’t change my opinion of our season or my
players.

"I don’t think it’s that hard to explain the
performance, especially in the second half. We’ve been going at 1000
miles per hour over the past few months after the tragedy with Davide.
We put an incredible amount of running in on the pitch and put a huge
effort in mentally. I’ve heard a lot of people talk about the situation
here but you cannot imagine what we’ve been through and what we are
still going there – only we know that.

"Last week’s game [against
Sassuolo] left us on our knees. We had surged back so far and were
dreaming of achieving something truly exceptional. It was incredible
that we were fighting for a Europa League in the last few weeks of the
season, given the way the squad was put together, the objectives we had
at the start of the campaign and everything that happened. That defeat
left us mentally drained.

"Today we were missing a lot of
players with big personalities that have helped us a lot over the course
of the season – [Milan] Badelj, [Jordan] Veretout… [Vitor] Hugo got
injured, as did [German] Pezzella. [Marco] Sportiello also had to come
off. Not many people have spoken about how big a loss Davide has been in
terms of his technique, tactical prowess and character too.

"It’s
a real shame for me and my players because we didn’t deserve to finish
up with two defeats. For the fans too – they were there supporting us
once again today. But I think it’s quite obvious why we’ve had this dip
this week. You don’t need to overthink it or be a genius to figure it
out.

"I don’t want to put a dampener on the enthusiasm but
neither do I want us to get ahead of ourselves. The objective next
season will be to build on all the many things we’ve done well this
season. We want to improve. We’ve finished eighth, which is an excellent
result for this team given what we’ve gone through. If possible, we’ll
look to fight for a Europa League place.

"I’ve been clear with
the club. I’ve said I don’t want many players, but I do want a lot of
competition within the squad. In order to maintain a high standard, you
need all the players to be motivated and happy. It’s not good if a
player already knows they’re not going to be playing come the weekend.
I’d like players who can play in multiple positions and players that are
of roughly the same level, so that they stay competitive and motivated.
That way, my decisions are simple. Of course, the team needs
strengthening.

"The aim was to lay some solid foundations – I
think we’ve done that. We have eight, nine or ten players who’ve proven
that they can do it at this level. Apart from Baldelj – who, in any
case, is a player I think can do even better, because every time he’s
got to a certain level he’s picked up an injury – the rest of the squad
can all improve. They’re either young or just in the first year with us
in Italy. That’s for sure.

"We also need to consolidate the team
with a bit of quality up top and some personality elsewhere. Our aim is
to improve so I expect the club to act based on the plans myself and the
sporting director are making."